2 Days Authentic Ninh Binh Countryside Local Culture Experience

Hanoi, Vietnam
Duration2 days
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, French
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Discover an authentic side of Northern Vietnam on an exclusive 2-day private tour from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. Crafted for travelers seeking rich cultural connections, this experience takes you off the beaten path into peaceful rural landscapes and living traditions.

Why choose this tour:

Untouched Nature: Cruise the serene wetlands of Van Long Nature Reserve, a quiet, breathtaking alternative to crowded tourist spots.

Hands-On Cultural Crafts: Meet local artisans to learn centuries-old hand embroidery and visit a family workshop making traditional rice vermicelli.

Rural Village Life: Cycle through flower-lined country paths in Thung La and Phu Hau villages, visit vibrant markets, and observe daily life in the Red River Delta.

100% Private & Flexible: Travel in comfort with a dedicated private guide and driver at your own relaxed pace.

Options

Option 2 (3-Star Hotel)

3-Star Hotel
Superior
Pickup included

Option 3 (4-Star Hotel)

4-Star Hotel
Deluxe
Pickup included

Option 1 (Local Homestay)

Local Homestay Experience
Standard
Pickup included

Option 4 (5-Star Hotel)

5-Star Hotel
Luxury
Pickup included

What's included

  • 2 bottles of water per person on car
  • Bicycle use for scheduled cycling activities.
  • English-speaking local guide.
  • One night in a Ninh Binh hotel, based on twin or double sharing.
  • Lunch
  • Entrance fees for visits included in the confirmed itinerary.
  • Van Long boat excursion, subject to the confirmed programme.
  • Traditional embroidery experience.
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle for transfers in the itinerary.
  • International flights and accommodation in Hanoi.
  • Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary.
  • Personal expenses, tips and gratuities.
  • Optional activities and services not listed as included.
  • Single-room supplement.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Additional costs arising from itinerary changes requested by guests.

What to expect

Day 1: Hanoi – Van Long – Thung La – Embroidery Experience – Ninh Binh
  1. Hanoi
    2h
    08:30 AM: Private car and English-speaking guide pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi and depart for Ninh Binh.
  2. Van Long Nature Reserve
    1h 30m · Admission ticket included
    10:30 AM: Arrive at Van Long Nature Reserve. Board a traditional bamboo rowing boat to explore the peaceful limestone marshlands, rich biodiversity, and rare Delacour’s langurs.
  3. 1h 30m
    01:30 PM Take a relaxing bicycle ride around the rural countryside and visit Thung La, surrounded by majestic karst mountains and quiet lotus ponds. Visit Thung La Temple
  4. Ninh Binh
    1h 30m
    03:00 PM: Meet a local artisan for a hands-on traditional embroidery class, discovering the fine technique and cultural story behind handcrafted fabrics before. Transfer to your hotel in Ninh Binh.
Day 2: Ninh Binh – Phu Hau - Yen Khanh - Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – Hanoi
  1. 4h
    Transfer to Phu Hau Village in Yen Khanh. Meet your local hosts and enjoy a leisurely walk and cycle along the village’s small lanes to discover the typical countryside of Vietnam’s Red River Delta. Stop at the local village market to observe the lively daily trading activities and gain an insight into local life.
    Return to your hosts’ home for a hands-on introduction to making Banh Chung, the traditional Vietnamese sticky rice cake prepared for Lunar New Year (Tet) and taste your own creation.
    You will then share a home-cooked lunch with a local family, featuring traditional Vietnamese dishes such as fresh spring rolls and five-colour stir-fried beef.
    Visit a small traditional handmade rice vermicelli workshop, then meet artisans who weave water hyacinth baskets or sedge mat weaving. These encounters offer a valuable opportunity to learn about the region’s traditional occupations, understand the daily lives of local residents & connect with the people who keep these crafts alive.
  2. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
    1h · Admission ticket included
    In the afternoon, visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Vietnam’s former capital during the Dinh and Early Le dynasties. Explore the historic temple complex and learn about the country’s early history.
  3. Hanoi
    2h
    03:00 PM: Say goodbye to Ninh Binh and start the drive back to Hanoi.

    05:00 PM – 05:30 PM: Arrive back at your hotel in Hanoi. End of services.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

Pick you up at the hotels located in the Old Quarter

Additional information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
From
$420.00 per person
Check availability & book
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
More activities in Hanoi
From
$420.00 per person
Check availability